Which therapy views an individual's problematic behaviors as influenced by or directed at other family members?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• B. Token economy
• C. Family therapy
• D. Aversive conditioning

Answer: (C)

Problems are understood through the way family members interact with one another. In family therapy, the focus is on how problematic behaviors are shaped and directed by other family members and by the patterns of communication, boundaries, and roles within the family system. By working with the whole family, the therapist aims to change these interactions so the dysfunctional pattern no longer maintains the behavior.

This contrasts with approaches that center on the individual’s thoughts and feelings (cognitive-behavioral therapy), reinforcement systems that apply rewards or punishments (token economy), or behavior modification that uses punishment (aversive conditioning). Those methods target the person or specific behaviors in isolation rather than the family dynamics that influence them.